Abstract:
A baseline survey was conducted in 9 veterinary ranges in Hambantota area to identify
the farmers’ attitude in feeding and other management practices of goats. Hundred
farmers (50 each in rural and urban) in the area were interviewed in the farm itself
using a structured questionnaire. Free range system of raring (99%) was prominent
while goats were almost entirely depending on browsing. Rural famers employed bio diversity in feeding. The most preferable species were Dichrostachys cinerea (Andara),
Flueggea leucopyrus (Katupila) and Mimosa pudica (Sensitive plant), while Salvadora
persica (Maliththa) seems to be less palatable. Cassia auriculata (Ranawara) and
Acasia leucophloea (Rataandara) were not consumed even during the dry period. Goats
Were allowed to browse from morning to evening in communal lands and at the night
they were housed or tethered in a shed. Farmers indicated that, mature leaves were the
most preferable part by goats during the wet season, while they refrained from
consuming tender leaves and stems. Towards the dry season, browsing pattern tended
to change and goats used to consume all plant parts including the bark. As a
consequence a physiological disorder “bloat” became a serious problem in rural areas.
Rural farmers also indicated that, goats refused to browse plants such as L.
leucocephala (Ipil ipil). Although farmers did not know the reasons for these
preferences, it is clear that, goats have a self defense mechanism in selecting/refraining
from; some plants/plant parts when ample feed supply is available. In contrast urban
farmers had limited opportunity to employ bio-diversity in feeding. Goats are reared
under free range system as well due to scarcity of feed they used to consume kitchen
waste, market waste, posters, garbage and pieces of clothes. Limited amount of fresh
plant materials, either pruned from fences or brought from outside are offered to
animals. Prominent species were G. sepium (Gliricidia), Moringa oleifera (Murunga)
etc. Animals were given limited amount of rice bran and coconut poonac as
supplements. Due to problems such as reduction of lands for feeding of goats, animal
theft, predator attacks (dogs), prevalence of diseases (foot rot, Contagious Pustular
Dermatitis - CPD) many farmers wanted to move away from goat farming although it is
a viable livelihood industry for many years. Therefore, attention should be given
through veterinary and extension personal to address the burning issues of farmers to
protect the small scale goat industry.
